President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, lauded the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for transforming Ogun State and changing the face of aviation in the state through the Gateway International Airport, Iperu-Ilishan.
The trio spoke as President Tinubu inaugurated the airport and the state’s new airline, Gateway Airline, among other landmark projects, including road and housing projects in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Tinubu thanked Governor Abiodun for his strides in office, saying that the Governor had justified the confidence reposed in him by the President and the people of Ogun State.
He said: “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity we have today to celebrate the remarkable vision of a governor and his predecessors. Today, we commissioned the economic nerve centre of our corridor.
“In less than seven years, you, Dapo Abiodun, have demonstrated commitment, vision, and patriotism to grow Nigeria. We celebrate you for your contribution to national development.
“I have no regret for whatever we have done with you.
“As your President, I am pleased to see that the increase in revenue from federal allocation is being effectively and judiciously used to build our country. I congratulate the people of this great state for supporting a government that is delivering measurable progress, and I thank you for your continued faith in our country.”
While pointing out that his administration’s investments are about the people, Tinubu said the Lord is liberating Nigeria from past mismanagement, adding, “we are back as a nation, well respected and highly recognised.”
He said the Gateway Airport is connected to investments in gas and energy, adding that the other projects of Governor Abiodun have shown his great commitment to development, which, he said, “must touch every level.”
The President expressed deep pleasure with Abiodun’s agricultural initiatives and the 1,000 electric bikes he had rolled out, describing this as “a smart response to modern transportation needs.”
Also speaking on the occasion, Obasanjo, who thanked Tinubu for making the sacrifice to attend the event, said it was a very important occasion in the history of Ogun State.
He commended Governor Abiodun for building the airport, describing it as a landmark project.
He said: “I’ve landed here from Abuja, and it took me 45 minutes from here to my home, which is at least 25 minutes shorter than if I had landed in Lagos.
“I want to thank our Governor for doing us proud in what we are commissioning today. I am happy to be a witness to this historic occasion.”
The former President, who said he was part of the “conspiracy” to create the state 50 years ago, noted that nobody could have imagined Ogun would be what it is today, considering the developmental projects undertaken by the Governor.
Akpabio, who lauded President Tinubu for his reforms, which he said had liberated states from owing salaries, also commended Governor Abiodun for building the Gateway Airport and for the judicious use of increased federal allocations.
Speaking on the occasion, Abiodun, visibly elated by the President’s presence, which he described as deeply symbolic, said the President had placed the nation on the path of sustainable growth, demonstrating clarity in his economic reforms, which, he said, had repositioned Nigeria as a competitive destination.
Abiodun lauded the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that Nigeria is truly reclaiming its position as a viable investment destination.
He added that Tinubu’s leadership had inspired confidence in local and international investors.
